OLD BETHPAGE, NY (TIP):  Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) announced the appointment of Anita Dowd-Neufeld to Chief Administrative Officer for the Family of FREE Network. Anita has been a valued team member and an instrumental part of the evolution of FREE for the past 25 years. She began her employment with FREE in 1992 and has held numerous senior management roles during her illustrious tenure. Prior to her appointment, Anita Dowd-Neufeld served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development. She has an exemplary track of proven performance and has a well-established and stellar reputation in the field of health and human services.

“Anita embodies the spirit of collaboration we look for in all members of our team,” said Robert Budd, CEO FREE.  “She possesses an unremitting entrepreneurial spirit, passion for the community, compassion for the people we are honored to support, and the courage to empower people to rally for a purpose,” he continued.

Through her steadfast leadership FREE has harnessed grants totaling over 16 million in the past five years, countless new partnerships and a myriad of new services for the people we are privileged to support.  Anita is the champion of FREE’s advocacy and legislative action-this is a herculean task that requires an astute, competent, loyal and informed leader that has a true appreciation for the transforming world the provider community has and continues to experience. Anita works collaboratively to ensure that laws and government policies at both the state and federal level provide the resources necessary to allow people with disabilities equal opportunities to live fulfilling and productive lives. She spearheads efforts to raise awareness of critical issues among the general population, educates legislators about the effects of cuts in funding to supports and services, and illustrates the effects of government actions that have reversed many of the gains made by people with disabilities and their families.

About Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), founded in 1977, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to assist individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

FREE also collaborates with a variety of diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners on educational, vocational, rehabilitative and a myriad of other creative initiatives to enhance the local communities and the lives of more than 25,000 people that reside within them. Each of the valued partners of the Family of FREE Network have a unique mission, vision and strategic goals that are aligned in purpose, and embody the spirit of the meaningful work we do every day. For more information, please call 516-870-7000 or visit www.familyres.org.